Composition and related methods of manufacture and use

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a stable dry composition comprising a compound with herbicide activity located on a carrier compound and a compound with amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of the compound with herbicide activity and carrier compound. Methods of manufacture and application of the dry composition are also described along with storage stable plant and herbicide compositions and methods of co-administration of combination plant and herbicide compositions.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT application PCT/NZ2020/050143,filed 5 Nov. 2020, which derives priority from New Zealand patentapplication number 759005 dated 8 Nov. 2019 WIPO DAS code BF53 and NewZealand patent application number 766151 dated 10 Jul. 2020 WIPO DAScode 1C98, the specifications of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Described herein is a composition and related methods of manufacture anduse. More specifically, described herein is a stable dry compositionwith herbicidal activity; methods of manufacture of the dry composition;methods of application of the dry composition; storage stable plant andherbicide compositions and methods of co-administration of combinationplant and herbicide compositions.

BACKGROUND

Herbicidal compositions are generally aqueous solutions typically asconcentrates of a particular herbicide compound mixed with solvent(s)and stabilisers. Such compositions have known limitations aroundhandling (spray drift, dilution at application) and shear weight andvolume leading to effectively paying to transport and store water orother solvents along with the herbicide.

Stability of liquid herbicide compositions is also an issue addressed inthe art using many different additives solvents, co-solvents,stabilisers and so on. Whilst many of these art solutions may be usefule.g. to increase the concentration of herbicide in the compositions yetavoid separation, they introduce extra manufacturing steps, extramanufacturing costs and so on beyond just suppling the herbicide itself.As one example, glyphosate is a well-known and widely used herbicide.Glyphosate, however, requires prior reaction to a salt form beforemanufacture into a concentrate so that the glyphosate is liquiddispersible.

Art herbicidal dry compositions are quite unusual and then only driedand supplied for storage purposes. That is, the herbicide is not used orapplied in a dry form but instead typically mixed with a liquid e.g.water, immediately prior to broadcast. Whilst dry storage may addresstransport and storage issues of liquid formulations, the step of mixingbefore broadcast detracts from the product versatility—indeed,dissolving some herbicides can be difficult in a purpose built facilitylet alone in situ at a farm or residential home. Another drawback of artherbicidal dry compositions are that they are known to have handlingissues from dust. As a result of dust formation, the user needs to becareful not to breathe the dust and not to have dust blow away fromtarget broadcast areas. As a result, liquid concentrates tend todominate the market for herbicides however, liquid concentrates alsohave spray drift issues akin to dust spread.

A further aspect of art herbicide compositions is that they are almostalways exclusively formulated for and directed for foliar application toplants. Alternative modes of delivery such as to the ground surface orinto the ground via for example drilling is to the inventor'sunderstanding not completed or at least not completed to a commercialscale. This is understood to be because art products such as liquidconcentrates have poor efficacy from ground broadcast.

Art herbicide compositions are also generally single active formulationsor less commonly, herbicide combinations generally using chemicallycompatible herbicides. There may be stability or commercial reasons forsingle or compatible combinations however, this does create more work.For example, in a pasture renewal scenario, a farmer has to applyherbicide and then again at a later date re-seed the ground andoptionally later again apply fertiliser or minerals. For a small landarea, the cost of multiple applications in labour and materials may beminor or an inconvenience however, the large land areas and for isolatedland areas, multiple applications may make this process uneconomic. Inthe context of farming, high costs limit the amount of land able to beused for food production. The same principles would apply for other landuses like forestry and conservation land development and growth.Reducing the number of applications through combination broadcast of forexample a fertiliser or mineral and herbicide (and even seed) may have ahuge impact on cost/returns.

A yet further drawback of many art herbicide compositions is that theycan only be applied during dry weather. Application when rain occurs orwhen rain is predicted prevents broadcast since the rain may wash ordilute the herbicide therefore reducing dose rates to vegetation and, inworst cases, resulting in run off of herbicide into the environment suchas water ways.

It may be of benefit to address at least some of the above art issuesand problems.

Further aspects and advantages of the composition and related methods ofmanufacture and use will become apparent from the ensuing descriptionthat is given by way of example only.

SUMMARY

Described herein is a stable dry composition with herbicidal activity;methods of manufacture of the dry composition; methods of application ofthe dry composition; storage stable plant and herbicide compositions andmethods of co-administration of combination plant and herbicidecompositions.

In a first aspect, there is provided a dry composition comprising acompound with herbicide activity located on a carrier compound and acompound with amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of thecompound with herbicide activity and carrier compound.

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of shipping and storing aherbicide formulation by the step of forming a dry compositioncomprising a compound with herbicide activity located on a carriercompound and a compound with amphiphilic properties coating at leastpart or all of the compound with herbicide activity and carriercompound.

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing aherbicidally effective dry composition comprising the steps of:

-   -   selecting a granulated carrier;    -   applying herbicide to the carrier surface;    -   drying the sprayed herbicide and carrier;    -   coating the dried herbicide and carrier with an amphiphilic        compound.

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of broadcasting of a drycomposition with herbicidal activity by:

-   -   providing a dry composition comprising a compound with herbicide        activity located on a carrier compound and a compound with        amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of the        compound with herbicide activity and carrier compound; and    -   broadcasting the dry composition to: a plant or part thereof;        the ground surface surrounding a plant or part thereof; into the        ground surrounding a plant or part thereof; and combinations        thereof.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of co-administration ofdry composition with herbicide activity and a plant seed by the stepsof:

-   -   selecting a dry composition substantially as described above    -   selecting plant seed;    -   mixing the dry composition and plant seed together as a dry        mixture and storing the mixture until ready for use; then    -   applying the mixture to the ground surface or drilling the        mixture into the ground.

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of producing a drycomposition with herbicidal activity and seed formulated for combinedstorage and concurrent broadcast, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   selecting a granulated carrier;    -   applying herbicide to the carrier surface;    -   drying the sprayed herbicide and carrier;    -   coating the dried herbicide and carrier with an amphiphilic        compound to form a dry composition; and    -   mixing the dry composition with plant seed.

In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of seeding landcomprising:

-   -   providing a volume of plant seed containing herbicide dry        composition, the plant seed containing herbicide dry composition        comprising:    -   plant seed;    -   a dry composition with herbicide activity substantially as        described above mixed with the plant seed;    -   optionally, shipping and storing the mixture of plant seed and        dry composition; and        broadcasting the plant seed and dry composition mixture to a        growing substrate.

The dry composition and related methods of manufacture and use mayprovide a number of advantages over the art. Some selected advantagesmay include providing a dual activity product applied in oneapplication; ease of shipping and storage; and, due to dry application,greater broadcast control occurs with no drift to undesired vegetationor area. More advantages should become apparent from the descriptionbelow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As noted above, described herein is a stable dry composition withherbicidal activity; methods of manufacture of the dry composition;methods of application of the dry composition; storage stable plant andherbicide compositions and methods of co-administration of combinationplant and herbicide compositions.

For the purposes of this specification, the term ‘about’ or‘approximately’ and grammatical variations thereof mean a quantity,level, degree, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size,amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 30, 25, 20, 15, 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1% to a reference quantity, level, degree,value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight orlength.

The term ‘substantially’ or grammatical variations thereof refers to atleast about 50%, for example 75%, 85%, 95% or 98%.

The term ‘comprise’ and grammatical variations thereof shall have aninclusive meaning—i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of notonly the listed components it directly references, but also othernon-specified components or elements.

The term ‘herbicide’ or grammatical variations thereof as used hereinrefers to a compound or substance that is detrimental to germination, orpropagation and/or growth of plants.

The term ‘coat’ or grammatical variations thereof as used herein refersto a covering on part or all of the external surface of a carrier andherbicide on the carrier.

The term ‘located on’ or grammatical variations thereof in relation toherbicide compound and carrier compound describes that the herbicidecompound is substantially located on the outer surface of a carriercompound. That is, the herbicide does not penetrate inside the carrierstructure to become a homogenous mixture but rather forms an externallayer on a carrier surface. Within this definition, is that theherbicide may be located inside carrier compound pores or openings butis not substantially inside the carrier itself at a level below thesurface or external pore surface of the carrier compound i.e. someabsorption may occur but the majority (or all) is not absorbed.

Dry Composition

In a first aspect, there is provided a dry composition comprising acompound with herbicide activity located on a carrier compound and acompound with amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of thecompound with herbicide activity and carrier compound.

The term ‘compound with herbicide activity’ is referred to as aherbicide hereafter.

The term ‘compound with amphiphilic properties’ is referred to as anamphiphilic compound hereafter.

Reference to singular does not exclude the plural meaning and vice versai.e. multiple herbicides and multiple amphiphilic compounds may be usedto form the dry composition described.

Single Product

The dry composition may be a single product configured to be storagestable and, when broadcast to a site, acts to deter or kill localisedplant growth as defined by the herbicide activity and can optionallyalso support soil nutrients levels and/or vegetation nutrition dependingon the carrier chosen i.e. stable storage and delivery on application ofherbicide and soil conditioning agent/fertiliser as one product appliedonce.

Dry

In the context of this specification, the term dry may refer to a wateractivity of less than 0.7, or 0.6 or 0.5, or 0.4 or 0.3, or 0.2, or 0.1.Alternatively, the term dry may refer to a moisture content of the driedcoated seed being less than 10%, or 9%, or 8%, or 7%, or 6%, or 5% byweight.

As may be appreciated, the residual water content of the composition islow or very low and as a result, the composition may be formulated as aparticle, dust, powder, cake, prill or granular composition. For ease ofdescription below, granules may be referred to although this is notintended to exclude other formulations or forms. The granules (or prillsor other dry forms) may have an average grain size from 0.2 to 1 mmalthough this size and size distribution may vary considerably.

The dry composition may be stored prior to use in a sealed bag orcontainer to avoid contact with moisture and elution. Dry compositionsmay be hydroscopic hence storage in a sealed manner may be useful toprevent absorption of moisture in the air or humidity.

Herbicide

The compound with herbicide activity is now described noting that theterms ‘herbicide’ and ‘compound with herbicide activity’ may be usedinterchangeably herein.

In one embodiment, the herbicide may be a non-selective herbicide or aselective herbicide.

The herbicide may be a contact herbicide active.

The herbicide may have activity against broadleaf weeds, brush weeds,gorse, broom, and thistles.

The herbicide may be soluble and/or able to be emulsified in aqueoussolutions or other solvents.

The herbicide may be in salt form.

Specific herbicides that could be used in the dry composition may beselected from: glyphosate (glycine's, group M (inhibitors of EPSPhormone) or group 9 (aromatic amino acid inhibitors), glyfosinate,glyfumesate, desmedipham, phenmedipham, MCPB, bentazone, dicamba,flumetsulam, phenoxy herbicides; 3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyaceticacid; picolinic acid herbicides; and combinations thereof.

The phenoxy herbicides described above may be 2,4-D and2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid commonly known as MCPA.

3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid described above may also betermed or commonly known as triclopyr.

The picolinic acid herbicides described above may be3,6-dichloro-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid commonly known as clopyralid.

As may be appreciated, the claimed dry composition is highly versatileand many different types of herbicide may be used, the herbicides havingmany different types of activity.

Herbicide Quantity

As noted above, the dry composition comprises sufficient concentrationof herbicide to be a herbicidally-effective when applied.

The exact concentration of herbicide compound used in the drycomposition may vary depending on factors such as: the type of carrierused, the manufacturing process used e.g. concentration of herbiciderelative to carrier quantities in the dry composition.

The concentration of herbicide used may compare with standard amounts ofherbicide application per area for traditional liquid and foliar appliedherbicide products.

By way of example, a standard spray application rate of glyphosate maybe 1440-1450 g/ha, so the dry composition described may comprisegranules in amount to cover 1 ha and in total to contain 1440 g ofglyphosate hence has a comparable concentration or herbicide loading toart aqueous spray application concentrations.

In one embodiment, the herbicide may comprise 0.1-60% weight of the drycomposition.

Multiple Herbicides

More than one type of herbicide may be used in the dry composition. Thismay be useful to allow co-application of multiple types of herbicide inone product and one application.

Where multiple herbicides are used, the herbicides selected may have asimilar activity. Alternatively, the herbicides chosen may havedifferent activities.

For example, the dry composition may comprise two herbicides, a firstherbicide with selective properties to certain species of plant whilethe second herbicide used may also be selective but to other species ofplant to the first herbicide used. Alternatively, a first herbicide usedmay be selective and a second herbicide used may be non-selective.

Other Active Compounds

It was also found that pesticides such as fungicides and insecticidesmay also be included in the composition. In these embodiments, theactivity of the pesticide compounds selected may also be storage stableand dry like the herbicides chosen and release at a rate determined bythe formulation components and physical make up.

Carrier

The carrier may provide a solid or semi-solid substrate on which theherbicide is received and located during storage prior to application.

The carrier and herbicide may be compatible i.e. the carrier is inertrelative to the herbicide and may not alter the herbicidal activity.

The carrier may comprise 2-99.8% weight of the dry composition.

The carrier may be selected to improve soil condition and/or providenutritional value to vegetation.

In one embodiment, the carrier may be a fertiliser or mineral.

Examples of carrier compounds may be: lime, urea, phosphate, phosphatesalts, super phosphate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, NPKS, magnesium oxide,gypsum and combinations thereof.

Ammonium sulphate and other carrier compounds noted above may be usefulas they may act as a carrier for herbicide and also have a fertilisereffect and hence act as a growth promotor for present in the ground oradministered with the dry composition and administered subsequent to drycomposition broadcast. Ammonium sulphate and other fertilisers may alsobe effective adjuvants for water soluble herbicides.

Carrier and Herbicide Location/Absorption

The carrier retains the herbicide substantially on the carrier surface.This aspect is described further below noting though that a discreteseparation exists between the carrier and herbicide and these compoundsare not homogenous.

Retention may be a chemical or physical process noting that theherbicide activity does not alter as part of retention.

Retention may also be termed absorption herein. Specifically as usedherein, the terms ‘retention’ or ‘absorption’ or grammatical variationsthereof are synonymous with the term ‘located on’ as defined above, torefer to the herbicide being located on the surface of carrier

Carrier Specific to Herbicide Used

The carrier chosen may be defined by the type of herbicide used and theherbicide properties.

For a selective herbicide, the carrier may for example be urea or agranular fertiliser. The selective herbicide in this embodiment may forexample be water soluble or water insoluble.

For a non-selective/water soluble herbicide, the carrier may for examplebe ammonium sulphate although other carriers may also be used.

For a foliar applied dry composition, the dry composition may forexample be formulated for foliar application and absorption byvegetation leaves, stems and other above ground plant matter and thecarrier chosen to provide nutrients to the foliar matter of vegetationnot impacted by the herbicide.

For a soil applied dry composition, the dry composition may for examplebe formulated for soil application and absorption by vegetation rootsand the carrier chosen to address a soil mineral deficiency or chosen toprovide nutrients to the roots of vegetation not impacted by theherbicide.

As should be appreciated from the above, a variety of differentapplications, herbicides and carrier compounds may be chosen.

Amphiphilic Coating

As noted above, the amphiphilic compound coats the carrier andherbicide.

The amphiphilic compound may be in the form of a liquid, solid; asupersaturated suspension, or an emulsion.

The amphiphilic compound may be configured to delay release of theherbicide and carrier post application

The amphiphilic compound may have emulsifier properties.

The amphiphilic compound may be water soluble; water absorbing; attractmoisture; water dispersible; at least partly hygroscopic; andcombinations thereof.

The amphiphilic compound may be a synthetic or natural molecule havingthe ability to self-assemble into a wide variety of structures includingliposomes, bilayer sheets, micelles, vesicles, nanotubes, nanofibers,and lamellae or combinations thereof. The exact structure ofself-assembly may be dependent on depending on hydration andtemperature.

In one example, the amphiphilic compound may be selected from the groupof phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds. These are compounds fromthe group of yellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal andplant tissue which are amphiphilic. The may be mixtures ofglycerophospholipids including for example: phosphatidylcholine,phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phophatidylserine,phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acid.

The phosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds used to form the coatingmay comprise for example:

-   -   lecithin;    -   hydrogenated lecithin;    -   lysolecithin;    -   hydrogenated lysolecithin;    -   phospholipids;    -   hydrolysed phospholipids;    -   phosphatidic acid;    -   lysophosphatidic acid;    -   phosphatidylglycerol;    -   lypophosphatidylglycerol;    -   phosphatidylserine;    -   ammonium phosphatidyl rapeseedate;    -   phosphatidylcholine;    -   hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine;    -   hydrogenated lysophosphatidylcholine;    -   lysophosphatidylethanolamine;    -   phosphatidylositol.

In one embodiment, the amphiphilic compound may be lecithin. Lecithinwas identified by the inventors as a particularly useful coatingcompound. Lecithin is a generic term to designate any group ofyellow-brownish fatty substances occurring in animal and plant tissuesor complex mixture of glycerophospholipids obtained from animal,vegetable or microbial sources, containing varying amounts of substancessuch as triglycerides, fatty acids, glycolipids, sterols, andsphingophospholipids

The lecithin may be natural or synthetic. In naturally occurringlecithin, the phosphoric acid is attached to the glycerol at theα-position. However, the phosphoric acid can also be attached in theβ-position of glycerine, as a by-product of synthesis;

Coating Quantity

The coating may comprise approximately 0.01 to 50%, or about 0.02 to10%, or about 0.05 to 5%, or about 0.1 to 2% by weight dry composition.

Elution

The coating readily elutes once broadcast to a substrate and exposed tomoisture. Moisture may be in the form of rain, irrigation or even withminor amounts of water such as that obtained from night or morning dewor humid ambient conditions.

Rate of Coating Compound Breakdown and Release of Herbicide

The coating may act to control the rate of release of herbicide andcarrier from the dry composition when broadcast.

The amphiphilic compound chosen may itself confer a rate of releasetypically governed by the elution rate of the amphiphilic compounditself post broadcast.

The rate of release or elution rate of the coating/amphiphilic compoundmay be adjusted by use of additives mixed with the amphiphilic compoundto change the release/elution characteristics.

In one embodiment for example, adding high HLB surfactant (HLB>10) tolecithin will create a coating with rapid (^(˜)2 hours) release ofnon-selective herbicide post broadcast, e.g. glyphosate or glyfosinate.

Alternatively, by adding low water solubility solid additives, forexample calcium carbonate or clays, it is possible to produce a slowrelease (12-24 hours) dry composition e.g. tribenuron-methyl ormetribuzin or metazachlor may be added. Clays generally, such asbentonite clays, are useful elution rate adjustor compounds due to theirability to absorb water and then slowly release it and therefore delaythe rate of elution.

The inventor has found that, by use of additives, the rate of release ofherbicide from the dry composition post broadcast may be varied from arapid release to a slow release, the rate or release being either as onebolus amount (e.g. all herbicide elution completed after 2 hours postcontact with water/moisture); or as a dosed constant rate of releaseover time (e.g. through use of clays evenly mixed with amphiphiliccompound to form the coating); or as a variable rate of release of time(e.g. through use of clays unevenly mixed with amphiphilic compound toform the coating). The degree of tuning in the rate of release providesconsiderable product versatility.

Soil Broadcast

The coating may enable delivery of herbicide via soil to roots ofvegetation.

Typically, herbicides are applied to foliage of plants and not via soil.The finding that a dry composition drilled or otherwise applied to soilhad a herbicidal effect on plants in the soil was unexpected and may bebeneficial.

The dry composition may be formulated for direct foliage or soilapplication.

Flaking Off or Dusting

The inventors have found that the flaking off or dusting issue andnegative effects of enclosed herbicide on carriers may be addressedthrough coating with the above coating compound(s). This may eliminateor significantly reduce a significant problem in art formulations forhandling and product longevity.

Method of Shipping and Storing Herbicide Containing Formulations

In a second aspect, there is provided a method of shipping and storing aherbicide formulation by the step of forming a dry compositioncomprising a compound with herbicide activity located on a carriercompound and a compound with amphiphilic properties coating at leastpart or all of the compound with herbicide activity and carriercompound.

The carrier compound in the above method may be a fertiliser or otheragriculturally acceptable carrier compound.

The dry composition described above may provide a storage stable and drymethod of shipping and storing a herbicide. Typically herbicides areoften shipped and stored in liquid concentrate form. In the art, theissue is that herbicides are usually concentrates, therefore they needto be diluted before use. The formulation described herein, does notcomprise water or liquid hence the weight/volume for transport isreduced and further, dilution steps on application are avoided since thedry composition is used as provided. Another advantage is that normallyherbicides and fertilisers or other agricultural chemicals aretransported, stored and applied separately. The method described avoidsthe need for separate transport, storage and application therebyreducing cost and complexity.

Method of Manufacture of a Dry Composition with Herbicidal Activity

In a third aspect, there is provided a method of manufacturing aherbicidally effective dry composition comprising the steps of:

-   -   selecting a granulated carrier;    -   applying herbicide to the carrier surface;    -   drying the sprayed herbicide and carrier;    -   coating the dried herbicide and carrier with an amphiphilic        compound.

Further drying of the coated dried herbicide, carrier and amphiphiliccompound may be completed.

Coating Method

The process of coating may be via methods such as: mixing, rolling, ordipping the dried carrier and herbicide into the coating composition toform the coating layer or layers.

Carrier Selection

The carrier chosen may depend on the herbicide properties andapplication requirements. For example, lime may be chosen for acidicsoils, magnesium oxide chosen for soils with magnesium deficiency, etc.

Coating Additives

Optionally, the coating may comprise additives mixed with theamphiphilic compound or placed over the amphiphilic compound to alterthe elution rate of the coating and hence rate of release of herbicidefrom the dry composition post broadcast.

Applying by Spraying

Applying of herbicide to the carrier may be completed by spraying theherbicide onto the carrier.

Spraying may be completed by mixing the herbicide with water or otheraqueous or non-aqueous solution/solvent at a desired concentration.

Sprayers such as atomisers and pressure sprayers may be used.

Cake

Prior to drying, the carrier and herbicide may form a cake. The term‘cake’ as used herein refers to the consistency of the mixture which mayvary from solid to semi-solid and form a mass or block that is able toshaped or kneaded while wet. The consistency of the wet cake may crumbleto some extent but the wet cake will generally combine particularly whensubjected to compression and forming.

Once dried, the dry cake will tend to readily crumble or break apart orcrush when a compression or shear force is applied.

The above descriptions are given by way of example only and the exactconsistency and form of the wet and dry cake may vary depending on therelatively quantities of carrier, solution and agricultural chemicalused as well as moisture content in both the wet and dry cake.

Mixing

Mixing as noted above comprises the process of moving or spreading theherbicide throughout the carrier surface to result in a homogenousspread of herbicide on the carrier surface.

Various techniques may be used for mixing. The speed or intensity ofmixing in the inventor's experience does not appear to make anydifference to the final product efficacy.

Drying

Drying as noted above may use processes such as dry heat application,freeze drying, vacuum drying, spray drying and so on. By way of example,the water activity of the dry composition after drying may be less than0.7, or 0.6 or 0.5, or 0.4 or 0.3, or 0.2, or 0.1. The moisture contentof the dry composition may be less than 10%, or 9%, or 8%, or 7%, or 6%,or 5% by weight.

Crushing/Milling

Crushing and/or milling the dry composition formed may be completed toproduce a final particle size as may be desired for commercial broadcastequipment.

Method of Broadcast of the Dry Composition

In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of broadcasting of a drycomposition with herbicidal activity by:

-   -   providing a dry composition comprising a compound with herbicide        activity located on a carrier compound and a compound with        amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of the        compound with herbicide activity and carrier compound; and    -   broadcasting the dry composition to: a plant or part thereof;        the ground surface surrounding a plant or part thereof; into the        ground surrounding a plant or part thereof; and combinations        thereof.        Moisture

Optionally, subsequent to broadcast adding moisture to cause elution ofthe broadcast dry composition to the plant or soil. Moisture may be inthe form of irrigation or rain or even exposure to moisture in the soilor evening or morning dew.

Broadcast of the dry composition may be completed without co-applicationof water.

The inventor has found that morning dew or a small amount of rain e.g. 1mm per 24 hours may be sufficient for the coating to elute and herbicidemigrate from the composition and penetrate the surface of neighbouringvegetation roots or foliar growth.

In-Direct Contact Via Soil Sufficient

It was found that even for herbicides that art suggests require foliarapplication for effective control, such as glyphosate for example, thepresent composition was unexpectedly herbicidally effective even if nodirect contact with leaves/foliar plant material occurred. Artliterature around herbicides like glyphosate teach that the herbicide israpidly deactivated on contact with soil. As a result, foliarapplication is the common method of application. Without being bound bymechanism, it appears that the dry composition acts to preserve theherbicide long enough in soil to ensure the herbicide affects vegetationroots. The inventor's found in this case that it was sufficient for thedry composition to be in contact or in very close proximity with anypart of the plant (root, leaf, stem) to achieve a herbicidal effect andnot just from foliar material application.

The dry composition may provide a localised kill effect.

Single Broadcast

In the above method, broadcasting may occur in one application of drycomposition. That is, no additional broadcasts of herbicide orfertilisers are required. As may be appreciated, this represents aconsiderable advantage over art methods through time and cost savings.

Volume Broadcasted

The volume of dry composition broadcast may be based on the area ofgrowing substrate to be controlled and/or the volume of soil to beconditioned and/or the density of subsequent vegetative growth desired.

Substrate

The ground surface referred to above may be a growing substrate whichmay be agricultural land.

The ground surface may be flat land, undulating land or hill country.

Hill country may be defined as being land with slopes above 5, or 6, or7, or 8, or 9, or 10, or 11, or 12, or 13, or 14, or 15, or 16, or 17,or 18, or 19, or 20 degrees. By contrast, flat land or undulating landmay be defined as having slopes of 5 degrees or less.

Hill country for the purposes of a temperate climate akin to that seenin New Zealand may be land located at levels below approximately 1000 mabove sea level.

Whilst hill country is referred to above, the method may be used on flatland or land with lower slope angles than that described for hillcountry.

Action Post Broadcast

After the dry composition is applied, through the action ofenvironmental moisture such as rain, dew, humidity, or irrigation forexample, the dry composition breaks down or elutes releasing theherbicide which creates a zone around the application area that is freeof or has reduced vegetation and wherein the carrier may thensubsequently elute to fertilise the soil (assuming the carrier is afertiliser).

Broadcast Method

Broadcast may be completed via art means e.g. from the ground or byaerial methods and no special handling measures are required.

Coadministration of a Dry Herbicide Composition and Seed

In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of co-administration ofdry composition with herbicide activity and a plant seed by the stepsof:

-   -   selecting a dry composition substantially as described above    -   selecting plant seed;    -   mixing the dry composition and plant seed together as a dry        mixture and storing the mixture until ready for use; then    -   applying the mixture to the ground surface or drilling the        mixture into the ground.        Seed

The seed may be a seed selected from an agricultural crop. The seed maybe grass or forage seed. The seeds in this application may be used toextend or re-sow arable land available for grazing by livestock.

The seed may be a seed used in forestry. For example, the seed may bepine seeds and used to plant out an area of land.

The seed may be from a native plant or plants and used to extend nativeforest land and conservation estate.

Seed Coating

Optionally, the seed may have a coating that substantially covers theseed exterior.

The coating may act to delay seed germination (a common feature to manycoatings either by design or a by-product of the coating compoundsused).

The coating may comprise at least one art seed coating formulation.Examples may those sold under the trade marks: Superstrike, Prillcote,Agricote, Ultrastrike, Force Field, Gaucho, Poncho, AgroKoat F, AgroKoatA, etc. An advantage of utilising art coatings may be to take advantageof proprietary insecticides and/or fungicides that remove the necessityof adding these compounds separately to the seed coating or seedcomposition.

The seed coating may have a layer comprising at least one additive orthe coating itself may further comprise at least one additive. In oneembodiment, the at least one additive may be at least one filler. Thefiller may be limestone, bentonite, clay, and combinations thereof. Theclay may be kaolin.

Pesticidal and Seed or Plant Active Agents

The seed coating if used may optionally comprise at least one pesticidalagent and/or seed or plant active agents. The agents may be selectedfrom: Rhizobium bacteria, nutrient components, pesticides, fungicides,buffers, biological compounds to protect a developing seedling,beneficial elements, wetting agents, mould inhibitors, vitamins,cofactors, soil conditioners, plant growth regulators, water absorbents,and combinations thereof.

Dry Composition and Seed Shelf Life

The shelf life of the dry composition and seed may be determined by theshelf life/activity of seeds i.e. the dry composition may have no effecton seed viability even when stored for prolonged periods of time.

Trials by the inventors have shown more than 90% germination of ryegrass seed from a dry composition and ryegrass seed combination poststorage together. This clearly shows no comprise in germination frommixing with the dry composition described.

This inert nature of the dry composition and seed is somewhat counterintuitive in that the dry composition comprises herbicide that isdesigned to kill plant growth. Without being bound to mechanism, itappears that the herbicide once coated to form the dry compositioncannot interact with seed mixed with the dry composition during storage.Further, elution and herbicide effects appear to occur rapidly enoughpost broadcast so as to cause surrounding vegetation to be impacted butnot impact seed germination. This allows the seed to germinate and growwith less or no competition from existing vegetation thereby allowingthe new plant to become established ahead of competitive plant growth.

Dry Composition and Seed Mixtures

The ratio of dry composition to seed in a mixture may be approximately25-75% by weight of seed to approximately 25-75% by weight of drycomposition.

In one embodiment the seed may comprise: 25-75%, or 25%-50% by weight ofthe dry composition and seed mixture.

Method of Producing a Dry Composition and Plant Seed

In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of producing a drycomposition with herbicidal activity and seed formulated for combinedstorage and concurrent broadcast, the method comprising the steps of:

-   -   selecting a granulated carrier;    -   applying herbicide to the carrier surface;    -   drying the sprayed herbicide and carrier;    -   coating the dried herbicide and carrier with an amphiphilic        compound to form a dry composition; and    -   mixing the dry composition with plant seed.        Method of Seeding Land

In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of seeding landcomprising:

-   -   providing a volume of plant seed containing herbicide dry        composition, the plant seed containing herbicide dry composition        comprising:    -   plant seed;    -   a dry composition with herbicide activity substantially as        described above mixed with the plant seed;    -   optionally, shipping and storing the mixture of plant seed and        dry composition; and    -   broadcasting the plant seed and dry composition mixture to a        growing substrate.        Advantages

As noted above, the composition and related methods of manufacture anduse may provide a number of advantages over the art. Whilst not limitedto one or more of the following, selected advantages may include:

-   -   Providing a dual activity product (or even triple activity        product) applied in one application e.g. herbicide and        fertiliser (dual) or herbicide, fertiliser and slugicide        (triple);    -   Ease of shipping and storage;    -   Herbicides are used at rates that are approved and do not exceed        Maximum Residue Level (MRL) established by regulatory        authorities;    -   Due to dry application, greater broadcast control occurs with no        drift to undesired vegetation or area;    -   The formulation may be applied at any time including when        rainfall is expected. There is no need for rain-fastness;    -   Application may be completed in areas with limited water        supplies;

Further, for seed and dry composition mixtures:

-   -   The ability exists form using the dry composition to propagate        large numbers of seeds over a wide area and in challenging        locations;    -   There may be no post broadcast maintenance unlike in the art        when seeds may be applied and weeding needed post broadcast;    -   There is no need to separately apply herbicide to a site pre        seed broadcast;    -   Labour and transport costs may be minimised through a reduction        in the number of applications needed due to co-administration;    -   Excellent seed propagation/germination rates result from the        seed and dry composition mixture;    -   The mixture is anticipated to be storage stable for 2 or more        years;    -   Avoidance of dusting issues or loss of seed coating during        storage and handling;    -   Avoidance of drift such as the issue of spray drift seen for        spray solutions;    -   Avoidance of run off of herbicide solution into waterways.

The embodiments described above may also be said broadly to consist inthe parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in thespecification of the application, individually or collectively, and anyor all combinations of any two or more said parts, elements or features.

Further, where specific integers are mentioned herein which have knownequivalents in the art to which the embodiments relate, such knownequivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually setforth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the composition and related methods of manufactureand use will become apparent from the following description that isgiven by way of example only and with reference to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an enlarged drawing of a dry granule compositionmanufactured according to the above description with part of theexterior removed to show the interior structure;

FIG. 2 shows a further drawing of a dry granule composition manufacturedaccording to the above description with part of the exterior removed toshow the interior structure, in this example also with a ruler includedto provide scale to the granule size;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the composition structure with thedifferent layers exaggerated for explanation purposes;

FIG. 4 shows images of a formulation sample before shaking (left, 4A)and after shaking (right, 4B) in a dust formation test showing virtuallyno dust formation;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B show granules of product dispersed on vegetation onflat land post rain fall, FIG. 5A being a photo and FIG. 5B being a linedrawing of the photo image;

FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B show granules of product dispersed on vegetationapplied on flat land, FIG. 6A being a photo and FIG. 6B being a linedrawing of the photo image;

FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B show granules of product dispersed on vegetationapplied on hill country.

FIG. 7A being a photo and FIG. 7B being a line drawing of the photoimage;

FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B is a photograph (8A) and line drawing (8B) of thephoto of FIG. 8A on day 0 post soil application of a dry compositiongranule, in this case applied by dropping the granules into small holesinserted into the soil and then covering over the holes;

FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B is a photograph (9A) and line drawing (9B) of thephoto of FIG. 9A on day 14 post soil application of the dry compositiongranule described above;

FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B is a photograph (10A) and line drawing (10B) ofthe photo on day 1 post broadcast of a 2,4-D ester herbicide containingdry composition granule applied to the area around the weed Californianthistle;

FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B is a photograph (11A) and line drawing (11B) ofthe photo on day 14 post broadcast of a 2,4-D ester herbicide containingdry composition granule applied to the area around the weed Californianthistle;

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B is a photograph (12A) and line drawing (12B) ofthe photo illustrating vegetation on day 6 post broadcast of a 2,4-Damine herbicide containing dry composition showing significant curlingof the vegetation;

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B shows a photograph (13A) and line drawing (13B)illustrating foliage on day 1 post broadcast to the foliage ofglyphosate containing dry composition granules;

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B shows a photograph (14A) and line drawing (14B) ofthe photo illustrating foliage on day 15 post broadcast to the foliageof glyphosate containing dry composition granules;

FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of anarea of vegetation before a ryegrass seed and dry composition mixturewas applied to the area;

FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of thesame area of vegetation shown in FIG. 13, 12. Days post application;

FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B is a detail view photograph (A) and line drawing(B) of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B to illustrate the new grassgermination that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed off pre-existingvegetation;

FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B is a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of afurther detail view of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B to illustrate thenew grass germination that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed offpre-existing vegetation;

FIG. 19A and FIG. 19B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) ofgerminated seeds from a first trial of seeds and dry compositionmixture;

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of afurther view of germinated seeds from a first trial of seeds and drycomposition mixture;

FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B shows a photograph (A) and line drawing (B) of aview of germinated seeds from a second trial of seeds and drycomposition mixture; and

FIG. 22 shows a line drawing of a tray of germinating grass postbroadcast of a seed and dry composition mixture and coverage by soil ofthe seed and dry composition mixture.

WORKING EXAMPLES

The above described composition and related methods of manufacture anduse are now described by reference to specific examples.

Example 1

To demonstrate the layered nature of the composition described herein, adry granular composition was manufactured and images prepared.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show drawings of a dry granule composition arrow 1manufactured according to the above description with part of theexterior removed to show the interior structure arrow 2. In theseFigures, the carrier 2 is super phosphate and the herbicide is 2,4-DEster. As shown in the images, the herbicide layer 3 is located on andnot substantially mixed into or homogenous with the fertiliser/carrier2. A ruler 4 is included in FIG. 2 to provide a scale to the granule 1size.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic drawing of the composition 1 in an exaggeratedform to show the distinct layers more clearly. As shown in FIG. 3, thegranule 1 structure comprises multiple layers with minimal if anyhomogeneity. The inner layer comprises a carrier 2, in the example beinga fertiliser, then a herbicide layer 3 and then on the exterior, anamphiphilic compound 5 and other optional compounds used to form theouter layer e.g. adhesives or surfactants.

While a granule shape is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, prills, ovoid shapesor other shaped compositions may also be used and reference to a granuleis not limiting.

Example 2

In this example selected dry compositions are illustrated comprisingdifferent herbicides (and combinations of herbicides), differentcarriers (and combinations of carriers) and different coatings and theweight ranges for each.

The examples below should be understood only as guideline formulationsas actual amounts of herbicides included may vary, sometimessignificantly outside the specified values below.

Formulation 1

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Glyphosate soluble concentrate 600 g/LHerbicide 0.5-3.5% Cocoamidopropyl dimethyl amine surfactant Surfactant  1% Lecithin Coating 1.5% Ammonium sulphate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 2

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrateHerbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Surfactant 1.0-5.0% Ammonium PhosphatidylRapeseedate Coating 0.5-1.0% Superphosphate Fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Formulation 3

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Ethylhexyl Ester 680 g/Lemulsifiable Herbicide  2.0-10.0% concentrate Pluronic PE 6200Surfactant  0.5-0.75% Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine Coating 1.0-2.0%Sodium lignosulphonate Adhesive 2.0-3.0% Urea fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Formulation 4

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Picloram 100 g/L/ Triclopyr 300 g/LHerbicide 0.05-2.0% emulsifiable concentrate Polysorbate 80 Surfactant0.25-0.5% Lecithin Coating  1.0-2.5% Morwet D425 Surfactant  0.5-1.5%Lime granulated Carrier To 100%

Formulation 5

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Clopyralid 300 g/L soluble concentrateHerbicide 0.25-3.0% Geronol CF/AS 30 Surfactant  0.5-2.0%Lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine Coating  2.0-3.0% Magnesium oxide CarrierTo 100%

Formulation 6

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Flumetsulam 800 g/kg WDG dispersion inHerbicide 0.01-1.0% water Lecithin Coating 0.25-1.0% Magnesium sulphateheptahydrate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 7

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % MCPB 375 g/L/MCPA 25 g/L solubleHerbicide  0.1-2.0% concentrate Geronol CF/AR Surfactant 0.25-1.0%Hydrogenated phosphatidyl choline Coating  0.2-1.0% Lime granulatedCarrier To 100%

Example 3

In this example, the avoidance of dust formation from the drycomposition was tested.

The dustiness of formulated products was tested according to the CIPAC,MT 44 method. Results from this test identified that all testedformulations (as described in Example 2 above) are practically dustfree.

A visual observation was also performed. 20 grams of dry granules 1manufactured from formulation 1 was placed in a clear jar 100 and shakenvigorously for 30 seconds to generate dust. No significant dust wasobserved. Photos before shaking (left, 4A) and after shaking (right, 4B)are shown in FIG. 4 with the granules 1 moved around in the jar 100 butno dust formed.

These findings support the fact that the dry composition does notproduce dust and hence avoids or at least minimises handling issuesassociated with chemical dusts.

Example 4

As noted above, the dry composition may be formulated in different waysto influence the elution rate.

The basic dry composition coating provides one rate of elution. Thisrate of elution can be altered using additives to speed up or slow therate of elution.

The delayed mode of action can be achieved by blending top outer layerwith controlled release substances, for example brown coal, or byincreasing the thickness of the outer layer and/or inclusion of waterinsoluble or semi-soluble substrates.

Formulation 8—Rapid Release of Soluble 2, 4-D Amine

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrateHerbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Coating 1.0-5.0% additive AmmoniumPhosphatidyl Rapeseedate Coating 0.5-1.0% Magnesium sulphateheptahydrate Carrier To 100%

Formulation 9—Delayed Release of 2,4-D Amine

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % 2,4-D Amine 400 g/L soluble concentrateHerbicide 1.0-5.0% Antarox L64 Coating 1.0-5.0% additive AmmoniumPhosphatidyl Rapeseedate blend Coating 2.0-5.0% with brown coalSuperphosphate Fertiliser Carrier To 100%

Example 5

As described above, the dry composition may be broadcast via differentmethods. The inventors have found that almost any application where dryfertiliser would be applied in the art, may also be appropriate for thedry composition described herein be that by ground or by airapplication. An advantage of the dry composition described particularlyfor aerial broadcast is the absence of drift that is a significant issuefor spray application of herbicides.

The examples below show applied product dispersion on vegetation, thedry composition applied on flat land (FIGS. 5A (photo) and 5B (linedrawing) and FIG. 6A (photo) and FIG. 6B (line drawing)) and hillcountry (FIGS. 7A (photo) and 7B (line drawing)).

As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, the dry composition granules 1 aremerely spread over the ground or vegetation 6. FIGS. 5A and 5B inparticular shows how the granules 1 lose their shape and disperse postbroadcast and rain. Comparing the dispersion between FIG. 6A, 6B on theflat and FIG. 7A, 7B on hill country, it can be seen that the act ofbroadcasting the dry composition 1 is similar despite different terrainand the resulting granule 1 distribution is the same—that is, there isno run off of granules 1 or uneven distribution of granules 1 from thefoliage 6 irrespective of the ground being sloped or flat illustratingthat the dry composition 1 can be applied to either terrain type.

As noted in the above description, the inventors unexpectedly identifiedthat the dry composition could be applied into soil and still achieveherbicide effects. Art would suggest the herbicide is deactivated bycontact with soil hence the inventor's findings were a surprise. Toillustrate this effect, dry composition was dropped into small holesmade in the ground about a pasture sample area using a knife and drycomposition then covered over. FIG. 8 shows the pasture sample area atday 0 i.e. when the dry composition was knifed into the ground. As canbe seen in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the pasture 6 looks healthy and isgreen. FIGS. 9A and 9B shows the same pasture 6 sample area 14 days postsoil application and the pasture 6 is brown and largely dead or dyingshowing root herbicide activity.

Example 6

As described above, the dry composition has a number of shipping/storageadvantages versus liquid herbicide concentrates and products.

In particular, using glyphosate herbicide as an example, the describeddry composition is:

-   -   More environmentally friendly compared to a liquid glyphosate        formulation in the event of an accident spill. It is much easier        to clean up a dry composition (e.g. sweep or vacuum) compared to        clean up of liquid formulations. Liquid formulations may find        their way into water ways or permeate a ground surface rapidly        killing vegetation in an unintended and non-reversible manner;    -   A single application of fertiliser and herbicide together. This        dual application provides cost savings around labour and        broadcast efficiency.    -   Water saving—no water is required to dilute/dissolve herbicide        on broadcast unlike liquid herbicide concentrates. The dry        composition described may therefore be a better option for        broadcast to areas with irrigation water restrictions or where        water is a limiting factor;    -   No spray drift—unlike solutions and suspensions of herbicides        where micro-droplets can be carried outside the application area        by wind causing damage to non-target vegetation;    -   More controlled application which reduces the chances of        accidental contamination of ground water.

Example 7

The manufacturing process for the dry composition can be described as asimple process that may comprise the following steps:

-   -   Selecting the carrier and herbicide to be applied;    -   Spraying the herbicide to a carrier surface at a rate comparable        to an accepted liquid rate per hectare to form a granule with        herbicide;    -   Drying the granules with herbicide sprayed as a layer thereon        (optional);    -   Coating the granules with an outer layer;    -   Drying the coated carrier and granule with herbicide;    -   In the case of emulsifiable concentrates, the above drying is        not necessarily required and instead, the outer layer may        include an “oil” absorbing agent.

The drying step or steps can be performed by currently availabletechniques, for example hot air drying, vacuum drying, fluidized-beddrying or freeze drying.

The following are examples of manufacture of granulated product for ifsoluble concentrates and emulsifiable concentrates are used.

Formulation 10—A Soluble Concentrate

Ingredient Action Amount wt. % Glyphosate soluble concentrate 600 g/LHerbicide 0.5-3.5% Cocoamidopropyl dimethyl amine surfactant Coating  1% additive Lecithin Coating 1.5% Ammonium sulphate Carrier To 100%Manufacturing Process:

-   -   1. Ammonium sulphate in amount to provide 300-350 kg/ha of        ammonium sulphate is loaded into a paddle mixer;    -   2. The required amount of glyphosate soluble concentrate (to        provide 1000-1440 g acid equivalent/ha of glyphosate) is sprayed        on the ammonium sulphate in order to ensure all granules of        carrier are covered by herbicide. This is achieved by        controlling the speed of spray and speed of mixing;    -   3. The wet granules are dried until the moisture content is        below then 2.5 wt. %;    -   4. The dried granules are placed in the paddle mixer and sprayed        with a dispersion of lecithin in cocamidopropyl dimethyl amine        water solution.    -   5. The granules are dried to a moisture content below 1 wt. %.

Formulation 11—An Emulsifiable Concentrate

Ingredient Action Amount % 2,4-D Ethylhexyl Ester 680 g/L emulsifiableHerbicide 2.0-10.0% concentrate Pluronic PE 6200 Surfactant 0.5-0.75%Hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine Coating  1.0-2.0% Sodiumlignosulphonate Coating  2.0-3.0% additive Urea fertiliser Carrier To100%Manufacturing Process:

-   -   1. Urea fertiliser in amount to provide 80 kg/ha urea is loaded        into a paddle mixer;    -   2. A commercial formulation of 2,4-D ethylhexyl ester in amount        sufficient to provide 1800-2500 g/ha 2,4-D acid is sprayed on        the urea until all granules are fully covered by the herbicide;    -   3. The granules covered with herbicide are sprayed with a        dispersion of hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine in an aqueous        solution of EO/PO block co-polymer (Pluronic PE 6200);    -   4. The wet granules are dried to remove moisture and placed in        the mixer;    -   5. Sodium lignosulphonate is added until all urea granules are        covered with powder and until the granules no longer have an        oily appearance.

Example 8

Examples are now provided illustrating the efficacy of the drycomposition when applied to the foliage of a plant and when applied tothe ground about a plant.

In a first experiment, 2,4-D ester herbicide containing dry compositiongranules were applied to the ground area around the weed Californianthistle to test efficacy and measurements of herbicidal effect takenthereafter. FIG. 10A is a photograph and FIG. 10B a line drawing of theCalifornian thistle 7 on day 1 post broadcast and FIG. 11A is aphotograph and FIG. 11B of the Californian thistle 7 on day 14 postbroadcast. As shown, weed growth has stopped by day 14 with the weed 7substantially killed. Full control of the weed 7 was achieved within 3weeks of application (not shown).

In a second experiment, 2,4-D amine herbicide containing dry compositiongranules were applied to foliage of vegetation to test herbicidaleffects. FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B illustrate the vegetation 8 on day 6 postbroadcast showing significant curling of the vegetation 8 being thefirst sign of weeds being affected by herbicide. Inventor observationspost day 6 confirmed the dry composition successfully killed thevegetation 8 growth.

In a third experiment, glyphosate containing dry composition granuleswere applied to test plant foliage. The glyphosate in the drycomposition was present at a rate of 1200 grams acid equivalent/ha. FIG.13A and FIG. 13B shows the foliage 9 on day 1 post broadcast while FIGS.14A and 14B shows the foliage 9 on day 15 post broadcast. The day 15Figures shows a significant browning of the vegetation 9 and obviouskill effect from the dry composition (not shown). The inventors notedagain that full control kill of the vegetation 9 was achieved by Day 21.

Example 9

Examples of seed and dry composition mixtures are now described.

The actual combination of herbicide/grass seed mix depends on therequirements, preference and region; however for example only, thefollowing combinations are described:

Mixture 1

Component Amount wt. % Grass seed mix (perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot,10% tall fescue mix) Glyphosate based granulated dry composition 90%

Mixture 2

Component Amount wt. % Grass seed mix (red clover, cocksfoot, 75%browntop, kikuyu) 2,4-D ethylhexyl ester based granulated dry 25%composition

Mixture 3

-   -   a. Coated seed composition:        -   Grass seeds 50%        -   Seed coating 50% *        -   * Coating consists of: 93.9% lime, 2% Methocel K25M as            solution, 0.8% molybdenium, 2.7% Rhizobium, 0.3% Apron            fungicide, Lecithin 0.5%    -   b. Herbicidal dry composition:        -   Ammonium sulphate 89% (carrier)        -   600 g/L Glyphosate soluble concentrate commercial product            10% (herbicide)        -   Lecithin 1% (coating)

To form the final seed composition suitable for application, compositiona is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight mixture.

Mixture 4

-   -   a. Coated seed composition:        -   Grass seeds 50%        -   Seed coating 50%*        -   * Coating consists of: 1.66% AgroKoat A, 0.72% imidacloprid,            1.3% molybdenium, 48.16% lime, 47.66% kaolin, Cocamidopropyl            betaine 0.5%    -   b. Herbicidal dry composition:        -   Ammonium sulphate 89% (carrier)        -   600 g/L Glyphosate soluble concentrate commercial product            10% (herbicide) Lecithin 1% (coating)

To form the final seed composition suitable for application, compositiona is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight.

Mixture 5

-   -   a. Coated seed composition:        -   Grass seeds 50%        -   Seed coating 50%*        -   * Coating consists of: 1.4% Primal AC234, 0.5%            methylcellulose 4000 cPs, 0.24% Thiram fungicide, 1.3%            molybdenium, 46.78% lime, 48.28% kaolin. Sodium dodecyl            sulphate 1.5%    -   b. Herbicidal dry composition:        -   Commercial N, P, K Fertiliser 79% (carrier)        -   2,4-D amine 400 g/L soluble concentrate commercial product            19% (herbicide) Lecithin 2% (coating)

To form the final seed composition suitable for application, compositiona is mixed with composition b as 50:50% by weight.

Example 10

In this example, a method is provided to produce a combination seed anddry composition mixture.

The combination of seed and dry herbicide can be presented as simplesteps as follow:

-   -   Selecting the single or multiple plants seeds and amounts        required for specified area treatment;    -   Choosing the granular composition based on herbicide, fertiliser        requirements for specified in amounts required to treat the        specified area;    -   Mixing the seeds and herbicide composition.

No special treatment or separation is needed between the seed and drycomposition for transport, storage or broadcast.

Example 11

In this example, a trial is described where seed/dry compositionmixtures were co-administered and the resulting localised kill effectand subsequent seed germination rates described.

A mix of ryegrass seeds and glyphosate granular composition was preparedand an area of ground vegetation was treated to provide 350 kg ammoniumsulphate and 1440 g glyphosate per ha.

FIGS. 15A and 15B shows the area of vegetation 10 before the above drycomposition was applied and FIGS. 16A and 16B shows the same area ofvegetation 10, 12. Days post application. FIGS. 17A and 17B and FIGS.18A and 18B are detail views of the area of FIGS. 16A and 16B toillustrate the kill effect against old grass 10 and the new grassgermination 11 that occurred by day 12 amongst the killed offpre-existing vegetation 10.

Example 12

In this example, shelf life stability experiments for both the drycomposition alone and the seed and dry composition together areillustrated to demonstrate storage capability.

In this trial, a glyphosate based dry composition was subjected tostability evaluation according to FAO recommendations

The results presented in the Table below.

After storage at 54° C. Parameter Method Initial for 14 Days AppearanceVisual Slightly green Slightly green granules granules Glyphosatecontent AOAC 996.12 41.2 g/kg 40.9 g/kg Persistent foam 60 mL CIPAC,MT47.3 15 mL 14 mL max Residue 2% max on CIPAC, MT 179.1 ND ND 75 μmsieve Essentially non-dusty CIPAC, MT 171.1 Complies Complies

The data presented in the Table 1 is sufficient to nominate 2 yearsshelf life of formulation.

Example 13

In this example, a controlled study was undertaken in laboratory toevaluate if pre-emergent herbicide from a dry composition describedherein, (in this example using glyphosate as the herbicide), has anynegative effect of seed germination and to evaluate the germination ratefrom a dry composition and seed mixture.

The glyphosate dry composition was mixed with ryegrass seeds and storedfor 2 months in general storage area. Twenty-five seeds were placedbetween multiple layers of paper towels and saturated with water. Thepaper towels containing seeds were placed between two sheets of aluminumfoil and the sides crimped. After 5 days at room temperature the seedswere removed and evaluated for germination and germination rate. Toevaluate if germination rate has changed, a control group of seed onlywas included in the same study (seeds without dry composition as iscommercially available).

It was found that germination rate for both types of seeds (with andwithout dry composition) was equal i.e. 18 seeds from the trial seedsmixed with dry composition germinated and 19 control seeds (no drycomposition) germinated.

FIGS. 19A and 19B and FIGS. 20A and 20B show views of the germinatedseeds 12 from the trial seeds and dry composition mixture illustratinggermination that occurred.

In a further trial a further 25 seeds from a seed and dry compositionmixture were selected after storing the composition for another month atelevated temperatures (35° C.) and were placed between multiple layersof paper towels and saturated with water. The paper towels containingseeds were placed between two sheets of aluminum foil and the sidescrimped. After 10 days at room temperature the seeds were removed andevaluated for germination and germination rate. The germination rate was92%. An image of the germinated seeds 12 is shown in FIGS. 21A and 21B.

The rate of seed germination illustrated in the above trials isexcellent and shows no compromise in germination as a result of mixingand storage previously with the dry composition comprising herbicide.

Example 14

A further experiment was performed to evaluate if the herbicidalactivity of the dry composition is influenced if the seed and drycomposition are broadcasted to a substrate and then covered by a thinlayer of soil as might be the case in dusty hill country subjected towind. The seed and dry composition of Mixture 4 described above wasspread over soil, covered with soil and watered. The soil was kept moistfor two weeks. Results of experiment showed that, despite soil coverage,the seeds still germinated well with healthy shoots 13 growing in thesample plot as shown in the drawing of FIG. 22.

Aspects of the composition and related methods of manufacture and usehave been described by way of example only and it should be appreciatedthat modifications and additions may be made thereto without departingfrom the scope of the claims herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stable dry composition comprising: a carriercompound; a compound with herbicide activity located on an outer surfaceof the carrier compound and not substantially mixed into or homogenouswith the carrier compound; and a compound with amphiphilic propertiescoating at least part or all of the compound with herbicide activity andthe carrier compound to form a discrete outer layer not substantiallymixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound or the compound withherbicide activity; wherein the compound with amphiphilic properties isa synthetic or natural molecule having an ability to self-assemble intostructures comprising liposomes, bilayer sheets, micelles, vesicles,nanotubes, nanofibers, and lamellae or combinations thereof, and whereinthe compound with amphiphilic properties is selected fromphosphoglyceride or phosphotide compounds.
 2. The dry composition asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the dry composition is formulated as aparticle, dust, powder, cake, prill or granular composition.
 3. The drycomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound with herbicideactivity comprises an herbicide that is a non-selective herbicide or aselective herbicide.
 4. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the compound with herbicide activity comprises an herbicide thatis one or more of soluble, able to be emulsified in aqueous solutions orother solvents.
 5. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein thecompound with herbicide activity comprises an herbicide that is selectedfrom one or more of glyphosate, glyfosinate, glyfumesate, desmedipham,phenmedipham, MCPB, bentazone, dicamba, flumetsulam, phenoxy herbicides,3,5,6-Trichloro-2-pyridinyloxyacetic acid, picolinic acid herbicides. 6.The dry composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound withherbicide activity comprises an herbicide that comprises 0.1-60% weightof the dry composition based on the total weight of the dry composition.7. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the carriercompound provides a solid or semi-solid substrate on which the compoundwith herbicide activity is received and located during storage prior toapplication.
 8. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein thecarrier compound comprises 2-99.8% weight of the dry composition basedon the total weight of the dry composition.
 9. The dry composition asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the carrier compound is a fertilizer or amineral.
 10. The dry composition as claimed in claim 9 wherein thecarrier compound comprises one or more of lime, urea, phosphate,phosphate salts, super phosphate, ammonium sulphate, NPK, NPKS,magnesium oxide, gypsum.
 11. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the carrier compound retains the compound with herbicideactivity on the outer surface of the carrier compound.
 12. The drycomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound with amphiphilicproperties is formulated to delay release of the compound with herbicideactivity and the carrier compound post application.
 13. The drycomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound with amphiphilicproperties is a mixture of glycerophospholipids selected fromphosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol,phophatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidic acid.
 14. The drycomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound with amphiphilicproperties is lecithin.
 15. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the compound with amphiphilic properties comprises a coating,and wherein the coating comprises 0.01 to 50% by weight dry compositionbased on the total weight of the dry composition.
 16. The drycomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein the compound with amphiphilicproperties comprises a coating, and wherein a rate of release or elutionrate of the coating is from 2 hours to 24 hours.
 17. The dry compositionas claimed in claim 1 wherein the dry composition is formulated forshipping and storing.
 18. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the dry composition is formulated for broadcasting to: a plantor a part thereof; a ground surface surrounding the plant or the partthereof; into a ground surrounding the plant or the part thereof; andcombinations thereof.
 19. The dry composition as claimed in claim 1wherein the dry composition is formulated for co-administration with aplant seed, wherein the dry composition is mixed with the plant seedtogether as a dry mixture, stored until ready for use, then applied as amixture to a ground surface or drilled into a ground.
 20. A stable drycomposition comprising: a carrier compound; a compound with herbicideactivity located on an outer surface of the carrier compound and notsubstantially mixed into or homogenous with the carrier compound; and acompound with amphiphilic properties coating at least part or all of thecompound with herbicide activity and the carrier compound to form adiscrete outer layer not substantially mixed into or homogenous with thecarrier compound or the compound with herbicide activity; wherein thecompound with amphiphilic properties is a synthetic or natural moleculehaving an ability to self-assemble into structures comprising liposomes,bilayer sheets, micelles, vesicles, nanotubes, nanofibers, and lamellaeor combinations thereof, and wherein the compound with amphiphilicproperties is a mixture of glycerophospholipids selected fromphosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol,phophatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidic acid.